Case 19-2017 — A 53-Year-Old Woman with Leg Numbness and Weakness

A 53-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of progressive asymmetric hypoesthesia and weakness in the legs. Urinary retention, absence of rectal tone, and saddle anesthesia developed. A diagnostic test was performed. Presentation of Case Dr. Kristyn M. Spera (Neurology): A 53-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis was admitted to this hospital because of progressive asymmetric hypoesthesia and weakness in the legs. The patient had been in her usual health until 4 months before this admission, when hypoesthesia developed in the lateral aspect of the left foot. During the following 2 days, the hypoesthesia spread to involve the toes and midfoot. On evaluation by her primary care physician, the patient reported that her chronic low-back pain, which radiated to the buttocks, had increased in intensity, but there was no pain in the legs, . . .